Easy Vegan Baby Bok Choy Recipes for Delicious Weeknight Meals

Baby bok choy is a versatile vegetable that is perfect for whipping up quick and flavorful vegan meals. With its tender leaves and mild flavor, it can be enjoyed in stir-fries, soups, salads, and more. In this article, we’ll explore some easy and delicious Vegan Baby Bok Choy Recipes that are perfect for weeknight dinners.

Why Choose Baby Bok Choy?

Fresh baby bok choy on a wooden table

This Asian green is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. It’s a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and potassium. Plus, it’s low in calories and carbohydrates, making it a healthy addition to any diet.

Simple Vegan Baby Bok Choy Stir-Fry

Yields: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 inch ginger, minced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 heads baby bok choy, chopped
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ginger and garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
3. Add the chopped baby bok choy and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until slightly wilted.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
5. Pour the sauce mixture over the bok choy and cook for another minute, until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Serve immediately over rice or noodles, garnished with sesame seeds.

Chef’s Tip: “For a richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of peanut butter or tahini to the sauce.” – Chef Maya Patel

Flavorful Garlic Ginger Noodles with Baby Bok Choy

A bowl of garlic ginger noodles with baby bok choy

Yields: 2 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces noodles of your choice
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 1 head baby bok choy, chopped
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp water
• 1 tsp maple syrup
• 1/2 tsp sesame oil
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. While the noodles are cooking, heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
3. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
4. Add the chopped baby bok choy to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, until wilted.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, water, maple syrup, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
6. Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the vegetables and sauce. Toss to combine and cook for another minute to heat through.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with your favorite toppings like chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or chili flakes.

Baby Bok Choy Salad with Sesame Ginger Dressing

This refreshing salad is perfect for a light lunch or side dish.

Baby bok choy salad in a bowl with sesame ginger dressing

Yields: 4 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: None

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

• 3 heads baby bok choy, thinly sliced
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted

For the Dressing:

• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced baby bok choy, shredded carrots, red bell pepper, cilantro, and toasted almonds.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together all the dressing ingredients until well combined.
3. Pour the desired amount of dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
4. Serve immediately or chill for later.

Chef’s Tip: “For extra crunch, add some chopped roasted peanuts or cashews to the salad.” – Chef Maya Patel

Vegan Baby Bok Choy Soup

This simple soup is both comforting and flavorful.

Vegan baby bok choy soup in a pot

Yields: 4 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 head baby bok choy, chopped
• 1 (14-ounce) can light coconut milk
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
4. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
5. Add the chopped baby bok choy, coconut milk, soy sauce, and grated ginger to the pot.
6. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the bok choy is tender.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I store leftover baby bok choy?

Store unwashed baby bok choy in a plastic bag in the refrigerator crisper drawer for up to 5 days.

Can I use regular bok choy instead of baby bok choy?

Yes, regular bok choy can be substituted in most recipes. However, you may need to adjust the cooking time as regular bok choy is larger and tougher.

What are some other ways to cook baby bok choy?

Baby bok choy can be grilled, roasted, or braised. It can also be added to smoothies for a nutritional boost.

Conclusion

These are just a few ideas for easy and delicious vegan baby bok choy recipes. This versatile vegetable is a great addition to any meal, and there are endless possibilities for incorporating it into your cooking. So next time you’re looking for a healthy and flavorful ingredient, be sure to give baby bok choy a try!